Wang You wrote the intelligence he had gathered in a secret letter, adding his conclusion at the end:

“Master Cao Qingyang’s children are still young, raised within the confines of their mansion with minimal contact with outsiders. They show no signs of being different from ordinary children.

“The young ones have only recently begun their education, and their minds are not yet mature. Even if they possess dragon qi, its supernatural manifestations might not be apparent.

“This humble servant cannot detect the dragon qi. I hope the Master can find a way to confirm its presence soon.

“The Martial Alliance’s Patriarch remains in seclusion, and the back mountain is forbidden territory. Anyone who intrudes besides Cao Qingyang will be killed by the Quanrong beast.

“However, after covert investigation, this servant discovered additional sentries stationed around the perimeter of the back mountain, leading me to conclude that the Alliance Leader’s condition may be deteriorating.”

After finishing, he dried the ink and whistled softly.

Shortly after, a black wild bird flew from the grove in the backyard, landing on the open windowsill, its dark eyes gazing at him intently.

Wang You unhurriedly took out a bamboo tube, tied it to the bird’s leg, and stroked its head.

The bird spread its wings and flew away.

Wang You watched until the bird disappeared, then exhaled deeply.

This type of bird was quite common, not as conspicuous as messenger pigeons. Using pigeons to deliver messages in the Martial Alliance would be an insult to their intelligence and reckless with one’s life.

Using an ordinary wild bird effectively avoided most risks.

After all, Quanrong Mountain stretched for hundreds of li, dense with forests, and wild birds were its most abundant inhabitants.

Of course, there was still the risk of being accidentally shot down, so important messages were never sent by bird.

Worth mentioning, these birds were trained by the Heart Gu Masters of the Gu Clan, which was why they could serve as messengers.

Wang You closed the window, added a handful of coal to the brazier, wrapped himself in a thick sheepskin coat, and, aided by the wine’s warmth, lay down to sleep.

Sometime later, his ear twitched in his slumber, and he suddenly awoke, reaching for the short blade under his pillow.

Bang!

Just as his hand grasped the blade, his head was struck hard by a blunt object, and everything went black.

In his dazed state, after an unknown period, ice-cold water splashed across his face, and Wang You groaned as he regained consciousness.

His eyes shifted from confusion to sharpness in less than a second. Suppressing his inner panic, he calmly surveyed his surroundings.

While assessing his body’s condition, he found himself thoroughly bound, his entire body weak, apparently drugged with some sort of narcotic.

This was a sealed room, with chains, spiked clubs, and shackles hanging on the stone walls.

In the corners stood large torture devices like the tiger bench, foot-chopping knife, and flaying rack.

Additionally, Wang You saw devices specifically for female prisoners, such as the wooden horse and other implements of torture.

A charcoal brazier burned in the chamber, and to its left, a man in black clothing sat formally in a large chair.

He had an ugly, fierce scar on his left cheek, a horse-like face, small eyes, and features as hideous as his scar.

Wang, You recognized him as the Grand Warden responsible for punishments in the Martial Alliance.

“What’s your real name?” the Grand Warden asked with a smile.

Wang You showed fear and confusion, responding tremblingly, “This humble one is Wang You, an archer from South Peak Ridge. I don’t know what crime I’ve committed; please enlighten me, Grand Warden.”

“No, no, no!” The Grand Warden waved his hands repeatedly, explaining sincerely, “Don’t belittle yourself. You haven’t committed a crime—you’ve committed a capital offense.”

Wang You’s face changed dramatically as he called out loudly, “This humble one has served the Martial Alliance loyally for many years! What capital offense? Grand Warden, please don’t wrong an innocent man!”

The Grand Warden smiled and said, “Do you think Alliance Leader Cao wouldn’t investigate such an extraordinary event as the Young Master and Young Miss surviving a deadly strike at their young age? Would he not look into it?

“Think about it—there were many guards that day, and everyone else kept their mouths shut. Why was Old Zhou the only one who didn’t receive orders to stay silent?”

Wang You’s pupils contracted slightly, and he remained silent, his tongue moving subtly in his mouth…

“I removed that false tooth of yours, the one containing poison. I tested it on a dog—instant death. Tsk tsk, that’s not a poison an ordinary person could concoct.”

The Grand Warden maintained his smile: “What’s your real name?”

Wang You kept his head down, defending himself: “This humble one only asked Old Zhou out of curiosity. The Grand Warden has misunderstood.”

The Grand Warden smiled and said, “I never ask a third time. Though I dislike torturing people, I don’t oppose using cruel methods to achieve my goals.

“Hmm, compared to ordinary torture, I prefer to explore new paths and seek innovation—that makes things interesting.

“For instance, torture devices meant for women can just as easily be used on men.

“Strip off his pants.”

Two subordinates stepped forward, lifted the paralyzed Wang You, and laid him on the device, binding him tightly with ropes.

Notably, the torture device resembled the barrel of a cannon.

Wang You gritted his teeth silently, knowing the humiliation he was about to face.

However, the Grand Warden’s next action caused all three men, including the two subordinates, to change expression.

The Grand Warden took up iron tongs that had been heating in the brazier, blew on them softly, and smiled more deeply as the glowing metal illuminated his face.

Wang You’s face suddenly turned deathly pale.

The two subordinates involuntarily clenched their muscles.

…

The night was deep, and the wind bitter cold.

The Grand Warden, wearing a black cloak and accompanied by two followers, entered the Alliance Leader’s mansion in the darkness.

In the hall, Cao Qingyang, who had received notice, was already waiting. He wore only a light blue robe, his imposing figure as steady as a mountain, emanating stability and restraint.

His square face was expressionless but serious.

“Alliance Leader!” The Grand Warden clasped his hands in greeting.

Cao Qingyang gestured for him to sit and had servants bring hot tea.

After drinking some tea to warm his stomach, the Grand Warden spoke slowly:

“We’ve discovered the truth. Wang You is a spy from an organization called the Celestial Mechanism Palace, planted in the Alliance seven years ago.

“According to his confession, he was brought in as a replacement after the previous spy died in an accident. However, he doesn’t know who the previous spy was or when they died.”

Cao Qingyang’s thick eyebrows furrowed slightly as he pondered:

“Celestial Mechanism Palace?

“The name suggests a connection to the Bureau of Astronomical Affairs.”

As the leader of the Martial Alliance of Sword Province, he knew that third-rank artificers were called Celestial Mechanism Masters.

“The Celestial Mechanism Palace wouldn’t target me. Did you catch the wrong person?”

Cao Qingyang frowned.

A month ago, his wife had been ambushed while visiting her maiden home, clearly indicating a spy had leaked the information.

Cao Qingyang had been secretly investigating, trying to root out the spy.

The Grand Warden’s expression became somewhat strange as he said, “Your servant uncovered another matter…”

After choosing his words carefully, he continued:

“According to Wang You’s confession, he was searching for something called dragon qi.

“This substance attaches itself to people, and those who obtain it become deeply blessed with good fortune, showing various abnormalities. For instance, someone of average talent suddenly becomes enlightened and shows extraordinary genius.

“Or a low-ranking martial artist suddenly experiencing rapid advancement in cultivation and encountering numerous fortuitous occasions.”

At this point, the Grand Warden glanced at Cao Qingyang’s expression, and seeing him silent, continued:

“He believes the Young Master and Young Miss’s revival might be due to dragon qi. However, he couldn’t confirm this, and today he sent a message to his superiors by bird, hoping they could find a way to verify it.

“Wang You’s rank is too low to know much about the inner workings and background of the Celestial Mechanism Palace.”

Cao Qingyang remained silent for a long while, seeming to digest the information, before asking:

“Dragon qi?”

The Grand Warden replied, “Your servant is also puzzled, but Wang You doesn’t know what dragon qi is. The Celestial Mechanism Palace seems to be using a wide-net approach to search for this dragon qi, only revealing its effects without explaining its nature.”

Cao Qingyang drummed his fingers on the tea table, speaking slowly:

“So you’re saying this Celestial Mechanism Palace has means to detect dragon qi. Yet I haven’t noticed any so-called dragon qi in Chun’er and Xue’er. Hmm, the art of qi observation is a technique of artificers—the Celestial Mechanism Palace is indeed connected to the Bureau of Astronomical Affairs.

“This explains my confusion.”

Unfortunately, after the battle in the capital, the Patriarch’s condition had become extremely poor, forcing him into dormancy. Otherwise, when the children had their incident, he might have found answers from the Patriarch.

Cao Qingyang took a sip of tea and asked, “Is Wang You still alive?”

The Grand Warden smiled and said, “Of course he’s alive. Every spy has their value.”

Cao Qingyang made a sound of acknowledgment and said:

“If they’re from the Bureau of Astronomical Affairs, spare his life for now. Send someone to the capital to seek answers from the Bureau.”

After thinking for a moment, he raised his hand and added, “No, don’t spread this around yet. Wait for my arrangements.”

He would first seek confirmation from the Patriarch about dragon qi and hear his opinion.

This matter concerned his children; he had to be cautious.

The Grand Warden nodded, stood up, and clasped his hands, saying, “Your servant takes his leave.”

…

Cao Qingyang left the main hall, entered the inner courtyard, and checked on his son and daughter separately.

They were twins, seven years old this year, just reaching the age where they would begin dining separately.

Cao Qingyang had been immersed in martial arts in his early years, and after becoming the Alliance Leader, he was consumed by alliance affairs. He only married and had children when he reached the age of thirty.

Though not exactly a late father, he was certainly of advanced age.

Thus, he deeply cherished the twins.

In the warm hall of the inner courtyard, Cao Chun played with a wooden sword at his waist, while the burning charcoal blazed in the brazier.

The wet nurse followed behind him, constantly reminding him to be careful of the coal basin.

Cao Xue quietly nestled in her mother’s embrace, looking at picture books together.

When Cao Qingyang entered, Cao Chun immediately ceased his rambunctious behavior, and Cao Xue sat up straight in her mother’s arms, straightening her tiny frame.

The siblings were somewhat intimidated by their stern father.

Cao Qingyang removed his robe, handed it to the approaching wet nurse, and beckoned:

“Chun’er, come here.”

Cao Chun stood straight before him and called out, “Father!”

Cao Qingyang nodded slightly, showing a hint of a smile: “It’s been a while since I’ve tested your swordsmanship.”

Glancing at the wooden sword at his waist: “Show Father what you can do.”

“Yes!”

Cao Chun nodded with bright eyes, his small face excited.

He immediately drew the wooden sword and demonstrated a set of sword techniques with proper form, showing remarkable sharpness.

His wife smiled and said:

“Chun’er has somehow suddenly become enlightened. Husband, isn’t this just like you?”

In his youth, Cao Qingyang had been mocked for his poor aptitude, and the previous Alliance Leader had been secretly ridiculed for his poor judgment of character.

He had focused single-mindedly on practice, throwing eight thousand punches daily, until one day many years later, he suddenly found himself the strongest among the young elite of the Martial Alliance.

It became a famous tale.

But Cao Qingyang showed no trace of a smile. Without a word, he put on his robe and left the inner courtyard.

He left the mansion, heading purposefully toward the back mountain.

He had many questions to ask the Patriarch.

What was dragon qi; why was it present in both children; what was the Bureau of Astronomical Affairs’ attitude toward this so-called dragon qi, and so on?

He quickly arrived at the cliff face, reaching the sealed stone door.

“Patriarch, Qingyang seeks your counsel,” he said with a bow.

After calling three times, there was no response from behind the stone door.

The Patriarch was still in dormancy—when would he wake? The battle in the capital that day had worsened his condition, and the nine-colored lotus root promised by Xu Qi’an had yet to arrive… Cao Qingyang’s heart grew heavy as he prepared to call out again.

Suddenly, two blood-red lanterns lit up on the cliff face, staring down coldly.

Cao Qingyang knew this meant the Quanrong beast guarding the Patriarch was telling him to leave and not disturb the rest.

He reluctantly bowed and returned the way he came.

…

At a small city on Jiang Province’s border.

Miao Youfang bit into a candied hawthorn stick and said:

“I’ve noticed there are fewer refugees at the border compared to other places.”

Li Lingsu, also eating a candied hawthorn stick, replied:

“That’s because this area is close to Sword Province, and the refugees have all fled there.”

Miao Youfang asked with confusion: “Is Sword Province very prosperous?”

“Places blessed with favorable weather are naturally prosperous. Sword Province has the Martial Alliance, said to be the true master of Sword Province. Even the Three Offices of Sword Province must show some restraint.”

Li Lingsu continued enthusiastically: “The martial world of Sword Province is extremely orderly. Any commoner who tries to commit evil will be eliminated by the Martial Alliance with lightning speed. It’s exactly the opposite of Cloud Province, which is full of criminals.

“At the same time, the government and Martial Alliance keep each other in check, so neither dares to act too arbitrarily.”

“I’ve only heard that Sword Province is a sacred land of martial arts.” Miao Youfang argued skeptically: “According to what you’re saying, doesn’t the imperial court care? They just allow a martial arts faction to grow so powerful?”

“I heard the Sword Province Martial Alliance has a Transcendent Realm Patriarch, though I don’t know if it’s true,” Li Lingsu said with a smile.

“Then why are you running your mouth?” Miao Youfang sneered.

The two began arguing, their topic gradually straying from “refugees” and “prosperity.”

“If you don’t believe me, you can ask Xu Qian,” Li Lingsu huffed.

Given Xu Qi’an’s identity and status, he would surely know about these secrets.

Miao Youfang immediately looked over, as did Mu Nanzhi eating her candied hawthorn and Bai Ji licking hers, all turning with interest toward Xu Qi’an who was leading his horse.

“There is indeed an old fellow, one as old as the nation itself,”

Xu Qi’an said carefully: “However, the court’s tolerance of the Martial Alliance isn’t solely due to fear of one Transcendent martial artist. You should know that during Great Feng’s peak, not even two Transcendents would have been enough to matter.”

“Then why?” Miao Youfang grew more confused and interested.

Li Lingsu listened intently. He knew Xu Qi’an had a wealth of secret tales and interesting stories. Even before his identity was revealed, Li Lingsu often heard ancient secrets from him.

This was precisely why he had believed so firmly in Xu Qian’s identity, overlooking certain details and flaws that might have exposed him.

Xu Qi’an said:

“During the final years of the Great Zhou, heroes rose everywhere. A martial artist in Sword Province gathered troops and began his journey to compete for the Central Plains.

“Later, as various forces were eliminated or consolidated, only two remained. One was the army of Great Feng’s founding emperor, the other was this Sword Province martial artist’s army.

“By then, Great Zhou had fallen and the Central Plains needed rebuilding. He didn’t wish to cause more bloodshed, so he agreed to a duel with Great Feng’s founding emperor.

“The winner would rule the Central Plains, the loser would retire. You all know the outcome—Great Feng was born from this.

“When I first heard this story, I only marveled at the founding emperor’s strength. Now I realize that old fellow from Sword Province never really wanted to be emperor.

“He rebelled purely because the common people could no longer survive. In his heart, he pursued the martial way.

“The founding emperor had little interest in martial arts or immortality—he was passionate about empire-building. Their different pursuits determined the outcome.

“When the Sword Province martial artist retired, the founding emperor made three agreements with him, allowing him to maintain his core army in Sword Province, perhaps as a warning to himself and his descendants.

“Now, the emperor’s attitude toward Sword Province no longer matters—the Divine Observatory’s attitude is key. Sword Province’s continuation to this day is with the Divine Observatory Master’s tacit approval.”

At this point, Xu Qi’an sighed.

Looking back now, the Martial Alliance was also one of the Divine Observatory Master’s pieces.

This old fox—who knew how many pieces he had on his board.

Destiny Masters were natural chess players… Xu Qi’an mused inwardly.

…

Cloud Province, Dragon City.

A monk wearing simple kasaya robes that exposed half his muscular chest sat cross-legged by the tea table.

“Having schemed for so many years, you must have anticipated this day.”

Bodhi Tree Bodhisattva glanced at the white-robed artificer sitting opposite him.

He was referring to Cloud Province’s current predicament.

The Divine Observatory Master was blocking Cloud Province’s exits—whoever dared to leave would be the first to die.

Of course, for Bodhi Tree Bodhisattva, it was just a matter of fighting head-on.

Even though the Central Plains were the Divine Observatory Master’s territory, he could still move freely.

As one who controlled both the Vajra Avatar and the Immovable Wisdom King Avatar, there was no one among the first rank who could kill him.

Once Xu Pingfeng started his uprising, he would be responsible for occupying the Divine Observatory Master while Xu Pingfeng captured cities and territory.

But Bodhi Tree Bodhisattva felt that if Xu Pingfeng couldn’t resolve the current crisis, this ally was too inadequate.

Xu Pingfeng smiled and said: “The Northern Garrison Commander and Wei Yuan are just the pieces Master Divine Observatory has placed in the open. He has many hidden pieces, which I will remove one by one.”